Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars announced for Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, DS and PC in fall 2010
Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars has been announced by TT Games and LucasArts as the third entry in the best-selling Lego Star Wars series of family friendly platform action games.
This newest game promises to combine all the best elements of all the previous Lego games while also adding brand new gameplay elements to make it the best Lego game yet. It is once again developed by Traveller’s Tales, the same team that has created all the other Lego games (Lego Star Wars, Lego Indiana Jones, Lego Batman, etc.) and will be released this Autumn for Xbox 360, PS3, PSP, PC, DS and Wii.
Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars is based on the animated series of the same name and will include all of the characters from both seasons of the show, as well as fan favorites from the Star Wars film saga.
All-new to this game are head-to-head battle modes and an upgraded level builder that allows more customization than ever before, including the ability to create customized basses and in-game battlefields! Gamers can play as either a Jedi or a Separatist, which gives you all-new powers including Squad command, Lightsaber slicing, Lightsaber Jumps, Long-distance Jedi Attacks and new Grapple Tie-Ups. The game will also include a new, easy-to-navigate hub.
“LucasArts continues to set the bar for next-generation family entertainment,” said Darrell Rodriguez, president of LucasArts. “The LEGO Star Wars franchise is a massive hit with fans, bringing in sales of over 20 million units worldwide. We’re thrilled to extend this experience to LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, delivering the humour and fun players expect from this award winning franchise.”
“The team at TT is working hard at making this simply the best LEGO game ever with all new gameplay and features never before seen in a LEGO game.”
No comments »Prince of Persia movie Super Bowl trailer
During the Super Bowl, Disney showed off a brand new 30 second trailer for the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie.
Sadly the trailer is over way too soon and doesn’t show much new scenes, but it does do a great job of showing off the upcoming Disney epic in spectacular fashion.
The film will hit theaters on may 28th alongside an all-new game called Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands.
New video game releases week 6, 2010
Here’s the list of this week’s game releases. The most popular titles this week are: BioShock 2 on Xbox 360, PS3 & PC, Dante’s Inferno on Xbox 360 & PS3, Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll on Wii, and Star Ocean: The Last Hope International on PS3. On the downloadable games front we’ve got the Wii Shop and DSiWare titles Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom, Blaster Master Overdrive, Link ‘n’ Launch and 7 others. As well as Darwinia+ on Xbox Live Arcade (updates Wednesday). No word yet on any PlayStation Network nor GameTap Gold games (both update Thursday).
Monday:
Blaster Master Overdrive – $10 (Wii Shop)
Bloons – $5 (Wii Shop)
Extreme Hangman – $2 (DSi Shop)
Fieldrunners – $5 (DSi Shop)
Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games – $5 (Wii Shop)
Link ‘n’ Launch – $5 (DSi Shop)
Oscar in Movieland – $8 (DSi Shop)
Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom – $5 (Wii Shop)
Sudoku 4Pockets – $5 (DSi Shop)
Tomena Sanner – $5 (Wii Shop)
Tuesday:
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral (DS, Wii)
Best Friends Tonight (DS)
BioShock 2 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Steam)
Dante’s Inferno (Xbox 360, PS3)
Dante’s Inferno: An Animated Epic (DVD, Blu-ray)
Data East Arcade Classics (Wii)
Jigapix Pets (DS)
Jigapix Wonderful World (DS)
Legend of Kay (DS)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (DS)
Rock Blast (Wii)
Scene It? Twilight (DS)
Shiren The Wanderer (Wii)
Square Logic (PC)
Star Ocean: The Last Hope International (PS3)
Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll (Wii)
The Daring Game for Girls (DS, Wii)
World Cup of Pool (DS)
World of Outlaws Sprint Cars (Xbox 360)
Wednesday:
Darwinia+ – $15 (Xbox Live Arcade)
On Wii and DSi Shop today: Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom (Classic), Blaster Master Overdrive (WiiWare), Link ‘n’ Launch (DSiWare)
Nintendo downloads this week: New additions for the WiiWare service include the sci-fi adventure of Blaster Master Overdrive and the speedy fun of Tomena Sanner, plus a pair of family-friendly games to help parents and their kids brighten up the dog days of winter. For the Nintendo DSiWare service, new attractions include the rocket-powered puzzles of Link ‘n’ Launch and the tower-defending thrills of Fieldrunners. And lest you should think cucumbers are only good for snacking, the Virtual Console debut of Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom lets Wii owners enjoy a quirky classic from the NES era.
Nintendo has now added these new/classic games to the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop. The games go live at 9AM Pacific time. Users with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card can be purchased at retail locations or Amazon.com.
Where available, we’ve included videos of each of today’s games. Either for nostalgia’s sake or so you can see if any new game is to your taste.
This week’s new Virtual Console game is:
Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Original platform: NES
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence, Tobacco Reference
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Featuring a cast of cute characters and an endearing sense of humor, this unique title has gained a dedicated following since its release on the original NES system. The wicked Minister Pumpkin, a nobleman in the Salad Kingdom, has rebelled and kicked King Broccoli off the throne. Worse yet, he has kidnapped Princess Tomato and, with the help of the treacherous Farmies, proceeded to abolish all truth, justice, sweetness and light from the Salad Kingdom. Players take on the role of the brave Sir Cucumber, hero of the kingdom, and set out on a quest to rescue the princess and topple Minister Pumpkin. Progress through multiple locations using set commands (such as MOVE, LOOK and TALK) while winning bouts of Finger Wars (Rock-Paper-Scissors), collecting information and items and heeding helpful clues from your faithful companion, Percy (a persimmon). If you fail, the entire Salad Kingdom will be tossed into frenzy. Sir Cucumber, your princess awaits!
This week’s new WiiWare games are:
Blaster Master Overdrive
Publisher: Sunsoft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points = $10
Description: Blaster Master Overdrive is an action-adventure game that takes place on an Earth infected by an aggressive, polymorphic virus. Poor, defenseless animals worldwide have been turned into flesh-eating, hemoglobin-swilling terrors. Fortunately, the world has Alex, who happens to be one of the world’s foremost biologists and specializes in viral mutation profiles and genetic manipulation. Every studious biologist facing imminent global annihilation needs a sweet ride, and Alex is no exception. He has S.O.P.H.I.A., a shape-shifting, gas-guzzling, projectile-spewing paean to destruction on four wheels. Things look grim, but with Alex and S.O.P.H.I.A. on the case, the world just might have a chance.
Tomena Sanner
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Businessman Hitoshi Susumu is behind schedule and in quite a rush. In fact, once he starts running, he won’t stop! Dashing past samurais, T-Rexes, cowboys and all manner of wacky obstacles, Mr. Susumu must get to the goal as fast as he can for the ultimate 2-D dance party. Tomena Sanner is a high-speed side-scrolling action game with a unique timing-based control system that’s as challenging as it is fun. As they fly, jump and dance over the many zany obstacles, players need to time their moves to keep their speed up and perform awesome tricks. Using just one button on the Wii Remote™ controller, players of all ages and skill levels will be able to play and help Mr. Susumu get to his goal. Four players can compete to see who is the fastest at running through the bizarre and comical world of Tomena Sanner.
Bloons
Publisher: Hands-On Mobile
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Bloons is an exciting puzzle game based on the simple fact that popping balloons is fun. Pop your way through dozens of puzzling levels in this exciting puzzle adventure. Each level will have a different arrangement of balloons. Using the darts you’re given, try to pop as many as you can. Look out for special balloons, blocks and darts, and have fun discovering what they do. You can pick up and play for a few minutes or spend hours working your way through the game’s 70 levels. As an added bonus, there’s also a level editor that allows you to create your own balloon puzzles.
Hubert The Teddy Bear Winter Games
Publisher: Teyon
Players: 1-16
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Wii Points = $5
Description: Hubert The Teddy Bear is a party game in which players confront crafty bunnies. Outsmart them in eight winter activities including snow fight, sleigh ride, Christmas tree decoration, fishing, catching a bunny and more. Create a teddy bear and customize it to fit your own style. Choose its name and gender and dress it up by combining elements from plenty of clothes and accessories. Play solo or engage your family and friends by competing in one of the multiplayer modes. As many as 16 players can take part in one competition. Thanks to the balanced levels of difficulty – kid, youngster and adult – everyone can enjoy the game. This collection of casual winter sports provides a new experience for the whole family.
This week’s new DSiWare games are:
Oscar in Movieland
Publisher: Virtual Playground
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points = $8
Description: Following his Oscar in Toyland escapades, Oscar now plays the leading actor in sensational worlds of hit movies and TV shows. From Sci-Fi to Cartoon, Western to War, Horror to Jurassic and more, this is a game not to be missed. Oscar in Movieland features eye-popping graphics, parallax scrolling backgrounds and fabulous game play. This jump-and-run game is easy to play and packed with hours of fun and nonstop action. Use Wings to Fly, Springy Boots to Jump, and Oscar’s secret weapon – his magical Yo-Yo – to swing on and zap enemies in some of the craziest platform levels you’ll ever play.
Link ‘n’ Launch
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points = $5
Description: Take your puzzle-solving skills to new heights in Link ‘n’ Launch, a puzzle game in which you must move tiles to create a path that connects fuel to your rocket, blasting it through space. Complete the basic training mode to learn how to play Link ‘n’ Launch, and then buckle in for the ride through the robust Missions and Puzzles modes. Missions mode has you propelling the rocket through space to reach the target planet within a three-minute time limit, while Puzzles mode challenges you to clear all fuel and pipe tiles from the screen. In both modes, not only do you need to create a path to keep your rocket fueled, but you’ll also have to account for immovable tiles and special tiles that upgrade your rocket or give you additional time to complete the level, all while keeping your rocket’s flight path within the established boundaries. The launch countdown has begun – are you prepared?
Fieldrunners
Publisher: Subatomic Studios
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points = $5
Description: Descend into the world of Fieldrunners, one of the most anticipated and visually stunning games in mobile tower defense history. Defend and control the field with a diverse selection of upgradeable towers, using a wide array of tactics and strategies against countless waves of unique land and air combatants. Enjoy hours of entertainment and replayable challenges. Do you have what it takes to dominate the fieldrunners and rise to the top as the ultimate tower defense master?
Sudoku 4Pockets
Publisher: 4Pockets.com
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points = $5
Description: Sudoku 4Pockets offers you 3,600 puzzles, and your assistant Kiku will be there to guide you through each of the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill levels. The aim of sudoku is to complete a grid of nine-by-nine squares with the numbers 1 through 9 in each square, row and column. As you play, Kiku will guide you: She can tell you if you’ve entered an incorrect number, offer you hints and explain the moves and terms as you play. The simple-to-use number entry makes it easy to select numbers and add possible number candidates to aid your thought process. Whether you’re new to sudoku or an advanced player, you can have fun playing and learning on your quest to become a sudoku master.
Extreme Hangman
Publisher: Gamelion
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points = $2
Description: There’s never been a Hangman game like this before! The world’s favorite time-killer game takes an absurdist twist of comical proportions. Taking place in various settings, the game challenges players to save the Hangman from his enemies by guessing hidden words correctly. When players guess incorrectly, he is put one step closer to being shot, strangled, erased or hanged by his enemies. Play a single-player game or challenge your friend to a duel. Extreme Hangman features seven different settings with fun animations, over 2,000 words in various categories, and three difficulty levels.
Who will be the Madden 11 cover athlete? You decide!
You will decide the Madden 11 cover athlete announced publisher Electronic Arts in collaboration with Doritos brand tortilla chips.
Via voting on the official web-site (click the link above) fans will be able to vote who they want to get on the cover . . . OR they can reverse it and vote on who they want the “Madden Curse” to fall on next!
Your choices are:
* Jared Allen of the Vikings.
* Drew Brees of the Saints.
* Riggie Wayne of the Colts.
Doritos is also running a contest promotion in which the winner gets a grand prize trip for two to see the NFL Draft live in New York City this April.
As a Cards fan myself, I was secretly hoping Kurt Warner would get the cover nod for retiring and having such a big year. Alas . . .
UFC Undisputed 2010 cover features Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar has been chosen as the UFC Undisputed 2010 cover athlete announced developer THQ.
A former college and WWE professional wrestler, Lesnar made his UFC debut in 2008, losing to MMA veteran Frank Mir. However, two fights later, Lesnar went on to take the UFC heavyweight championship belt by defeating MMA legend Randy Couture, who has signed on to rival EA Sports MMA fighting game.
Lesnar would go on to defend his title against Mir in July 2009, and his current UFC record stands at 3-1. Though he has been sidelined with an illness since last year, Lesnar is expected to return in 2010.
Lesnar will join more than 100 Ultimate Fighting Championship league fighters in the 2010 edition of this best-selling franchise, whose previous title, UFC Undisputed 2009, sold over 2.5 million units. The new game will also feature a new “sway and posture” system that promises to enhance the ability of players to defend and deliver coups-de-grace attacks, and to more successfully incorporate new moves from the various styles into their fighting pattern (including sambo, karate, and Greco-Roman wrestling).
The game will be released this May on Xbox 360, PS3 and PSP.
Via GameSpot
MLB 10: The Show unveiled with trailers. Cover athlete is Joe Mauer
MLB 10: The Show has been announced by Sony for PS3, PS2 and PSP, with a release date set for this March.
On the cover of this years game will be a ballplayer who needs no introduction. Two-time Gold Glove winner, Three-time Silver Slugger, Three-time American League (AL) batting champion, and newly crowned 2009 American League Most Valuable Player (MVP), Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins.
Arriving just in time for the start of Spring Training, MLB: The Show has been the highest ranked officially licensed baseball title of this console generation (according to Metacritic), and the 2010 version promises to deliver true-to-life gameplay, authentic franchise and season modes, and incredible detail not found in any other game.
The long awaited Home Run Derby leads the deep features list in MLB 10 The Show for the PS3 system. Fully implemented in the season modes and available as a stand alone feature, Home Run Derby follows the MLB rules and flow. The MLB Futures Game will also be available within season modes in its correct timeframe (just before the HR Derby), as well as fully functional online leagues. The new online season leagues will save and display MLB player stats, track player energy, allow for trades/injuries, and offer 40-man roster functionality.
Additional new features for the PS3 game include “Catcher Mode,” the ability to call the game as the catcher, select pitches, and be the ultimate field general, just like Joe Mauer. MLB 10 The Show will also offer daytime transitional lighting, user controlled pick-offs, a newly added “Movie Maker” menu giving the user the ability to select multiple replays to add to and edit a single movie, and 11 new stadiums. Five new Minor League stadiums will be introduced, as well as a selection of classic parks available on the PS3 system for the first time including Forbes Field, Crosley Field, The Polo Grounds, Shibe Park, Sportsman Park, and Griffith Stadium.
The popular “Road to The Show” mode returns with version 4.0 featuring the addition of two new interactive training modes, new settings, and new presentations. Interactive training will consist of a set of mini-games designed to improve a player’s fielding and pitching ability, adding to last year’s introduction of batting and base running training. “Franchise Mode” also returns to the game, including the 40-man roster, salary arbitration, waiver transactions and September call-ups.
For fans who want to take The Show on the go, MLB 10 The Show for the PSP and PSPgo systems delivers big baseball action in the palm of your hand by utilizing core gameplay features found on the PS3 system version.
Exclusive for PlayStation 2 system is the unrivaled “Player Creator,” providing users with endless possibilities for creating players, including everything down to their player’s face with EyeToy USB Camera. Users can also adjust their personal rituals, swings, and even emotions as they create and place themselves in the heat of a pennant race.
Speaking about his selection as cover athlete, Joe Mauer stated: “I’m truly humbled to be chosen for the cover of MLB 10 The Show, a honor that has only added to a special year for me. It’s a dream of every sports fan to be on the cover a video game, so to have the chance to work with a leading franchise like The Show is really a thrill.”
You can see him in action in this gameplay video.
“Over the past four years we’ve seen the greatest offensive output from a catcher in the history of baseball. Joe is already in truly rarefied air with his three batting titles, an unprecedented feat for a catcher. With both The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated naming Mauer to their ‘All-Decade Team,’ he is destined to be an all-time great, and he’s only 26,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. “Similarly, The Show has become the highest rated, best selling baseball video game franchise of all time. So, as we look to add upon the richest and most immersive baseball experience, we could not ask for a more perfect ambassador to represent MLB 10 The Show.” Article continues »
Console wars are silly and waste creativity, says BioShock developer
What does Bioshock 2 developer 2K Marin think of the console wars?
In a recent interview with Destructoid, the developer was asked what they think about the system loyalists out there who are vehemently opposed to the other gaming systems.
This was sprung by the fact that Bioshock started out as an Xbox 360-exclusive. And at that time many PS3 gamers dismissed the game . . . of course until it was later released for the PlayStation 3 as well. The sequel Bioshock 2 was then released for both systems.
So what are the thoughts of creative director Jordan Thomas on the system wars?
“There’s a cognitive effect known as ‘confirmation bias’ which leads people to latch onto conclusions that support their preferences and ignore data which doesn’t. This leads to wild, unreasoning loyalty to a chosen platform, sports team, or brand of soda.
“From a development perspective, the console wars are a bit silly; our target is consistency, and it’s always kind of sad to see people throwing their energy into “platform partisanship”, because it seems to flood the critical channels and drown out other creative discourse.”
He goes on to state, “I, of course, am immune to such bias – best platform? Coleco Adam. Everyone else is really, really dumb.”
As an ex-Nintendo-fanboy (who’s still very much a fan), I find the system wars deal to be rather pointless. Why devoid yourself of great entertainment? You’re only doing yourself a disservice if you ask me.
Via Destructoid
L.A. Noire coming to both PS3 and Xbox 360
L.A. Noire from Rockstar Games is coming to Xbox 360 as well as PS3 confirmed Game Informer in an exclusive cover-story reveal (confirmed ahead of the issue hitting newsstands).
This was confirmed by the American magazine’s editor Matthew Kato, who posted on their web-site in the comments section of a post that the game has indeed gone multiplatform.
His quote reads:
“It’s not a PS3-exclusive. It was at one point, but it’s coming out for the PS3 and 360.”
Not too much is known about L.A. Noire, although it has been in development for quite a while by Team Bondi and Rockstar, and is described as a murder mystery that is set in a perfectly re-created Los Angeles during the late 1940’s. As such, it will feature heavy themes from the era including Jazz music, corrupt police and government officials, and high crime, drug and gang activity.
Here is the original trailer for the game.
Via Joystiq
Mafia Wars: Bangkok now in Public Beta
Mafia Wars: Bangkok has entered public beta. It is the latest version of the hit social networking game (Facebook, Myspace, Tagged, Sonico, Yahoo, iPhone) from developer Zynga.
Entirely text-based as before, this latest version offers players a whole host of new jobs that become available to them in Bangkok as part of this latest expansion (which will be the fourth). And it caters to both high-level as well as low-level players.
Like the other expansions, you play by clicking various links that are lists of missions available to your level of Mafia thuggery, while checking to make sure you have enough energy required to take on the mission. You also will be required to have certain items for specific missions. Completing missions gives you experience and cash, which you can use to buy additional items that later missions require, invest in businesses and do other “Mafia” things. Eventually gaining enough experience to rise in the ranks of the Mafia world.
So here are the specifics in this new version:
* Mafia Wars: Bangkok gives players 90 new jobs to complete.
* Six new boss fights are available.
* Faction-specific missions are now available.
* Two episodes are available in the beta, six will be in the finished game.
* You will regularly be offered to help either the Yakuza or Triad, increasing your reputation with that group.
* This new reputation system will build a close relationship with your chosen group, while lowering your reputation with the opposing group. Reach specific milestones and gain new perks (high-end items, faction-exclusive store access).
* New businesses allow you to earn the new form of currency called Baht (old money won’t work in Bangkok).
* Businesses can be upgraded in three ways: capacity, output and quality. Doing so allows you to collect any money earned from the business.
* You must be level 18 to access Bangkok.
Although there are new aspects to the experience in Mafia Wars: Bangkok, it is generally more of the same and will appeal to those who are already fans. Although if you have done most of what is available in the game and are looking for new content, this will be right up your alley.
Via 1UP
Game Giveaways
- Contest funds donated to Haiti
